Stolen work claim resolved, in case involving MITI and World Expo 2025 pavilion

In an update to the case involving allegations that the Malaysian ministry of investment, trade and industry (MITI) did not compensate or credit a creative agency for its concept of the Malaysian pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka, the matter has now been resolved.

In a short Instagram statement, Fey Ilyas, founder of creative consultancy Current Media Group (CMG), said that his earlier disclosure of the agency’s concept work sparked industry-wide conversations, with many asking about the outcome. “I'm happy to share that it has been resolved amicably, and that Current has received due recognition for our creative contributions to the project,” he wrote.

"As we move forward, I want to leave a thought for my fellow colleagues in the industry. This experience has reinforced a fundamental truth: Your work has value. Creativity is a professional service and a vital asset. Never underestimate the worth of your ideas and never be afraid to stand firm in knowing the value you bring to the table," Fey added.

A+M has reached out to MITI for a formal comment but has received confirmation from a source that the matter has been settled.

Don't miss: MITI controversy rekindles industry calls for stronger IP protections 

Back in April, MITI said it had initiated an investigation into a social media claim by Fey, alleging that the ministry failed to credit or compensate a creative agency for the pavilion’s concept. At the time, the ministry said it was “undertaking a thorough investigation” and reiterated its commitment to integrity and compliance.

However, after months without a resolution, CMG issued a Letter of Demand (LoD) in July. According to the agency, Fey first raised concerns publicly on 25 April, pointing out similarities between the approved pavilion concept and a proposal CMG had presented to MITI before the formal tender process. The post prompted MITI to announce that an internal inquiry was under way.

Former MITI minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz later told parliament that the ministry had completed its internal investigation and was in active discussions with CMG to reach an amicable outcome. He said all appointments related to the Malaysia Pavilion followed government procurement procedures and added that MITI would strengthen internal guidelines, especially around partner selection for high-impact national projects.

Meanwhile, the controversy had also rekindled industry calls for stronger IP protections. Speaking to A+M, Malaysia Advertisers Association (MAA) president Claudian Navin Stanislaus said that idea theft is a "sad certainty" many agencies face, often quietly enduring the indignity out of fear of blacklisting.

Former 4As Malaysia CEO Khairudin Rahim echoed the same sentiments, emphasising that under global business norms, intellectual property (IP) remains to be the agency’s unless a formal agreement is reached.

Additionally, Tan Kien Eng, the newly elected president of 4As Malaysia, told A+M that in recent years, the association has seen several cases relating to the automatic ownership, retention and usage of agencies' intellectual property.

Fey stressed that the fight is bigger than CMG itself. "It was never just about us. It’s about the next person. And the one after that. The best thing the industry can do is simple: to stand with each other when it matters most, because we are never creating alone."

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